Hundreds attend Ledger memorial

Around 500 mourners have attended a memorial service in Perth for actor Heath Ledger.

Guests including fellow actors Cate Blanchett and Bryan Brown, as well as footballer Ben Cousins and model Gemma Ward gathered at Penrhos College in Perth's southern suburbs to celebrate Ledger's life.

Ledger's ex-fiancee and mother of his two-year-old daughter Matilda, Michelle Williams, was also at the memorial.

It is expected he will be cremated during a funeral service later today, which will only be attended by family members.

The event has attracted intense media interest with scores of photographers lining the entrance to the college.

Earlier, the actor's father Kim Ledger said it is "a pretty sad time", although he acknowledged the goodwill expressed from fans worldwide.

"We're finding it difficult to cope ourselves, let alone cope with everybody around the world," he said.

"Having said that, we do really appreciate the outpouring and the emotional support from all over the globe which suffice to say ... we're luckier than most families in ... our grieving position."

He also asked the media for privacy during the service.

The 28-year-old was found dead at his New York apartment last month and the coroner confirmed his death was caused by an accidental overdose of prescription medication.